Known for its variety and uniqueness, Lahore’s architecture reflects the city’s rich history. During the ruling of the Mughal Empire, the Sikh Empire, and the British Raj, many buildings were made according to Victorian and Islamic architecture that is known as Indo-Saracenic architecture. Among those buildings and monuments, the Royal Gates of Lahore Fort has great importance.
The Walled City of Lahore once had 13 gates. Historically, each of these thirteen gates served as a portal or entrance to the Walled City Lahore. A few of these gates were renovated and built again by the Britons for future generations after much of their core structure had deteriorated. Nearly 21 monuments can be found within the boundary of these gates, some dating back to the era of Emperor Akbar. In this article, we are going to discuss two main gates of Lahore Fort including the Akbari and Alamgiri gates.
List of Gates in Walled City of Lahore
Here is the list of a total of 13 gates that are in Walled City in Lahore.
- Delhi Gate
- Roshnai Gate
- Akbari Gate
- Yakki Gate
- Bhati Gate
- Sheranwala Gate
- Lohari Gate
- Kashmiri Gate
- Mori Gate
- Masti Gate
- Shah Alam Gate
- Taxali Gate
- Mochi Gate
In these all 13 gates, 6 of the gates are still standing; 7 of them are hidden within the rubble.
Know About Akbari Gate
Akbari Gate is located on the eastern side of Lahore and is one of the popular and main gates of Walled city Lahore. According to Wikipedia, the gate was opened in 1566 and is now known as the Maseeti Gate. During the Mughal era, this gate served as the main entrance to the Lahore Fort. This gate was named for the third Mughal emperor, Jalal-ud-Din Muhammad Akbar. An emperor also built a market in the vicinity of this gate, which is called “Akbari Mandi”. Food grains of all kinds are available in the biggest retail market in Lahore.
The Akbari Gate of the Lahore Fort can be found on the opposite side of the circular road, just after you turn towards the Masti Gate and approach the Rim Market. The magnificence of the gate contrasts with the majesty of the palace inside. The gate is made from bricks and two stories high. There are some rooms inside the gate and it is likely that the watch guards and other soldiers used these rooms. Elephants can cross the gate’s wide wooden door since it is elevated from ground level.
Know About Alamgiri Gate
Alamgiri Gate was built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1674. It is the main entrance of Lahore Fort in the present day. The Alamgiri Gate displays the disciplined structure in perfect harmony with the dignity and grace of its architecture. There is an entrance to the gorgeous Hazoori Garden via the Alamgiri Gate. It faces the Badshahi Mosque. Featured on Pakistan’s currency for a time, the gate is one of Lahore’s most iconic landmarks.
There are two semi-circular bastions flanking the monumental gateway that is topped with domed pavilions and have boldly fluted columns and lotus petal bases. Originally the emperor’s elephant-mounted caravans were able to pass through the huge arched entrance in the centre. A Sikh war with the British brought about the destruction of the Alamgiri Gate, and later the British rebuilt this gate.
